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The Gems

 


The Gems | MSOldschool.ning | tc082

The Gems’ were originally known as the Lovettes but there was another group of that name. A group including Jessica Collins, Verdine Harrison, Theresa Washum, Dorothy Hucklebee, and Bertha Watts had two singles on Checker, “One More Year” and “Hands Off”.” Renamed as The Gems they switched to Chess and were joined by pianist and song writer Raynard Miner. Minnie Riperton replaced Vandine Harris on “That’s What They Put Erasers on Pencils For.” “I Can’t Help Myself” was a regional hit, but subsequent records failed to sell. The group, also recording under the name of “Girls Three: Jess, Dot And Me”, disbanded in 1965, Theresa Washum and Minnie Riperton singing with the Starlettes and Riperton singing with Rotary Connection before going solo. Minnie Riperton also recorded under the name Andrea Davis before recording under her real name, but unfortunately died in 1979. A Minnie Riperton CD issued in the 1990s features some tracks by The Gems.

Minnie Riperton, 8 November 1947-12 July 1979.


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